SCRTC Community Network July/Aug 2022 by Pioneer Utility Resources

Network COMMUNITY

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Take a bow The legacy of the Far Off Broadway Players

OUTDOOR ESCAPE GO GLAMPING

INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Any room can be a classroom

America’s Rural Broadband Providers

Broadband opens a world of new educational opportunities Soon, students will end summer break and return to classrooms and, in communities fortunate enough to be served by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, they will have advantages once thought impossible in rural areas. While fast, reliable broadband service creates opportunity for everyone, our students benefit significantly. Resources that were simply unavailable before are now only a few clicks away. Once, learning about great art meant gazing at photos in a book. Now, students can take virtual tours through the greatest museums on Earth and, hopefully, find inspiration in the masters of the art world. Resources like Project Gutenberg make classic books a click and download away. Digital resources also go far beyond virtual libraries and museums. Thanks to distance learning — real-time sessions connected through video — students in the most remote communities can tap into advanced or specialized classes otherwise unavailable in their area. One key focus, and an acronym, you may have heard a lot about is STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. The skills learned in classes such as these are foundational. They can open the door to a range of jobs, higher education opportunities and more. At the NTCA, we hear stories of these successes daily, because our members, including your communications provider, make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve. The more tools we provide our students — the people who will become our future leaders and innovators — the richer our communities will become. Every day, our NTCA members work to make that future a reality.  2 | July/August 2022

Educating tomorrow’ s leaders

Welcoming clouds Digital storage brightens the day

hether sharing work files, snapping photos with your phone or dozens of other actions, your digital data most likely doesn’t remain solely on your device. Instead, those files were probably shared through a cloud-based service. Similarly, most phones default to backing up your photos to the cloud. In fact, the cloud is one critical presence in our digital lives, an experience often so seamless you might not even realize it’s there. But, exactly what is the cloud, and how does it work? Think of it as a collection of computers designed not only to store critical data, but also to back it up securely and deliver it on demand to whatever device you choose. That’s how you‘re able to work on the same file at home as you would at school, at an office or just on the go with a mobile device.

HOW IT WORKS When you subscribe to a cloud provider such as Apple, Dropbox, Google, Microsoft or many others, you can upload files to a data server managed by that company. In some cases, the files are both on your device and in the cloud. Or, they may strictly be in the cloud, saving room on your device. These files can be photos, videos, documents with text, emails or more. As long as your device is connected to the internet and you are logged into the service, you can access this digital library. The cloud providers work hard to make it all as seamless as possible.

CLOUD ADVANTAGES Cloud storage saves space on your devices. It’s also a good way to preserve files as a backup. Rather than keep one copy of

your data, cloud services keep multiple copies on many machines to create as reliable a system as possible. Many businesses use cloud storage to offload the responsibility of managing physical servers or running complex software. Another benefit of using the cloud is that you can increase or decrease storage based on how much you need, matching the price of the service to your requirements.

EXAMPLES Apple’s iCloud, Microsoft’s OneDrive and Google Drive are popular cloud storage options for individuals. Cloud storage is also used by social media and entertainment companies to provide services to the public. For example, Facebook manages its own private cloud services and data centers. Instagram and Pinterest are also cloud-based. If you’ve ever used Netflix to watch movies, then you were also using a cloud computing service. Popular personal use of cloud storage includes family photos and important financial documents such as tax returns. Businesses might use cloud storage for employee files, financial data such as payroll and to store customer data.

BACK UP THE CRITICAL FILES Cloud storage provides a range of benefits, but with vital information — anything from wills to family photos, digital art and beyond — consider the cloud as just one part good digital housekeeping. Consider creating three versions of these files: one in the cloud, a second on a computer hard drive and a third on an external drive. Rely on the cloud for convenience, but keep backup for, well, a rainy day.  July/August 2022 | 3

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

New connections

Virtual and real-world relationships build communities

onnections make our lives richer. Whether it’s a friend, a family member or a stranger offering a helping hand or a smile while you’re out running errands, positive interactions lift our spirits and enhance our sense of community.

It’s also possible to build meaningful relationships virtually — through social media, video calls or shared experiences like streaming the same movie as your friends and sharing your thoughts about it. If you’ve ever searched through one of the many streaming services to find a movie or show a friend was raving about, you’re definitely not alone. Nielsen, a company that tracks how Americans watch TV and consume other media, recently released a report with some striking numbers. Between February 2021 and February 2022, the average JEFF EATON time spent streaming television in the U.S. increased by 18%. That General Manager translates into an average of just less than 170 billion minutes of weekly video viewing. As a company that works hard to provide high-quality internet service to make that viewing experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, those numbers reflect a clear success for our industry. While that study focused on TV viewing, it’s just one example of how the traffic on our internet highways is increasing as the journey gets more interesting. Unlike a busy freeway, where a trip can pass in a blur, all this digital hustle and bustle can actually give us more opportunities to appreciate and spend time with those around us. How we use high-speed internet service goes far beyond just entertainment. Career-focused sites like LinkedIn promote networking among professionals, and relationships built there can help someone perform better in a current job or make connections that open doors to fresh opportunities. Similarly, sites like Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter and Monster.com specialize in matching individuals with job openings ideal for their skills and experience. With the growth of remote work jobs, these services are no longer a benefit — they’re essential to connecting employers from around the country, and even the world, to you and your neighbors. Online communities don’t just make connections across thousands of miles, they can also foster bonds much closer to home. Social media platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook, particularly with its ability to create topic-focused groups, can link neighbors in new and powerful ways. Something as simple as a post about a missing pet, or as helpful as a notice about an important meeting or local event, can be the starting point for new friendships. These services can strengthen the glue that connects us to one another. The list of examples of how authentic relationships can be bolstered, or even originated, online is seemingly endless. After all, thousands of lasting relationships began on dating sites. Every day social media helps far-flung former classmates to stay in touch and allows new parents to share the first photos of their newborns with friends and family around the world. Make no mistake, there’s no replacement for all face-to-face interactions. However, access to fast and reliable internet service creates new opportunities, fresh perspectives and deep resources. Our community is already rich and vital because of the people who live and work around us. If we’re thoughtful, the wealth of digital tools that are only a click away will make us even stronger and allow us to build and maintain the connections that matter. 

4 | July/August 2022

Network COMMUNITY

JULY/AUGUST 2022

VOL. 7, NO. 4

The SCRTC Community Network is a bimonthly newsletter published by South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative © 2022. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the cooperative. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Central Kentucky, including Adair, Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Green, Hart, LaRue, Metcalfe, Monroe and Nelson counties. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. 1399 Happy Valley Road • P.O. Box 159 Glasgow, KY 42142-0159 270-678-2111 www.scrtc.com SCRTC BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ralph J. Thompson, District I Bonnieville and Munfordville exchanges Billy Smith, District II Canmer and Horse Cave exchanges Jerry Polson, District III Cave City and Hiseville exchanges Ronnie Tucker, District IV Center, Edmonton and Summer Shade exchanges Kevin Bradshaw, District V Glasgow and Temple Hill exchanges Zack Kender, District VI Fountain Run, Gamaliel and Lucas exchanges Anthony Wells, District VII Buffalo and Magnolia exchanges Jeff Eaton General Manager Bobby H. Richardson Attorney Produced for SCRTC by:

On the Cover: The legacy and commitment of local troupe of actors, known as the Far Off Broadway Players, endures. See story Page 12.

SCRTC NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Zach Ford

Daniel Stinson

Clay Moore

ZACH FORD is a switch technician in our Glasgow office. He has worked for SCRTC for nine years and now maintains the Meta Switch Platform. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Anna Grace, Leah and Gideon. Zach likes to play with his kids and take the family on adventures when they travel. DANIEL STINSON is a network administrator in the Central Office Equipment Department. He has worked at SCRTC for 15 years. He married his wife, Melinda, six years ago. They have a 3-year-old daughter, Olivia, and two dogs, Winston and Marcie, and a cat named Henry. Daniel stays busy but enjoys playing games and watching “Lord of the Rings” and Marvel movies with his family. CLAY MOORE is also a network administrator in the Glasgow office. He has worked at SCRTC for 13 years. He and his wife, BreAnna, have two daughters, Layla and Olivia. Clay likes to watch football, cook on the grill for the family and play outside with their daughters. His favorite show is “Vikings.”

Simplify this

US @ CATCH

South Central Kentucky Business Expo

AUG. 18

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cave City Convention Center South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

In accordance with the Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; by fax to 202690-7442; or by email to program. intake@usda.gov.

Employee

Statement of Nondiscrimination

July/August 2022 | 5

TRAVEL

Glamping

in the South:

The concept means all the comforts of home in a rustic setting

a luxurious getaway Story by ANNE BRALY

lamping has become a huge trend for those who want the thrill of getting back to nature without the hassle of backpacking and sleeping on the cold, hard ground. That experience is what you’ll find at Wildwood Resort and Marina on Cordell Hull Lake in Middle Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region. A newly renovated resort, it offers glampers the best of both worlds — a place to enjoy nature but in resortstyle accommodations with a full range of activities. It’s summer camp all grown up, with horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking, but a bed with luxury linens awaits at the end of the day. Mornings begin peacefully at Wildwood in an area called The Woods. Glamping is the focus there in the beautifully appointed, fully restored retro Airstream trailers amid tall pines and

©Marina/Adobe Stock

6 | July/August 2022

hardwoods with a view of Cordell Hull Lake. The trailers offer beds with nice linens, a Keurig to brew your coffee in the morning and a long list of things to do throughout the day. At night, light a fire — each Airstream has a fire pit — and enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings. Don’t forget the marshmallows. The Airstreams, six in all, are named for the queens of country music. There’s Dolly from 1960; June, circa 1971; Emmylou from 1983; Patsy and Reba, both 2012 models; and Loretta, circa 1985. They have outdoor grills, microwaves and refrigerators, so you can prepare your own food if you desire. If not, Wildwood offers two dining venues. Grab a snack, breakfast or a quick lunch at Holston Cafe, open seven days a week. Timberloft Lakeside Restaurant, open on weekends, offers cozy seating inside and outdoor dining on a deck overlooking the water. John and Natasha Deane and Kevin and Donna Jones bought the old marina in Granville, Tennessee, in 2018 and reopened it as Wildwood Resort and Marina. After some major renovations

and additions, the resort now boasts a houseboat with two bedrooms, a new lakeside lodge with 14 guest rooms, lakeside cabins, a state-of-the-art conference center and the six vintage Airstreams. You can tailor your stay at Wildwood any way you want. Hop on a paddleboard or in a kayak or canoe and make your way across Cordell Hull Lake to explore its nearby tributaries — Indian Creek and Martin’s Creek. Or, let someone else do the driving by taking a breakfast, brunch or dinner cruise at sunset aboard a pontoon boat. Just make arrangements ahead of time with the staff. You can also simply wet a line and fish from the boardwalk along the jetty — bring your own bait and tackle. Off-site, there’s more to keep you busy. The area is known for its wineries and waterfalls, so grab a map and get moving. You can also arrange a guided tour. Trails abound through the area, so be sure to bring your hiking boots. Or hop on a horse and take a ride along a designated trail that skirts the lake. One-hour and two-hour rides are available. Tired muscles after a day of fun? Put your name down for a massage. The town of Granville, Tennessee, has a population of 300 that swells to 10,000 during the Heritage Day Festival every Memorial Day weekend. It’s one of seven festivals that take place in the small downtown. Granville is also home to T. B. Sutton General Store, established in 1880. Every Saturday night, the store hosts a bluegrass dinner with live music on the small corner stage. The music goes out to radios across the world in a broadcast. “Granville has a ton of history, and the town has embraced it,” John says, adding that visitors can take tours that showcase the history. Again, check with the resort for reservations for all activities. Music is a part of life at Wildwood, too. There’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays with bands playing covers May through September. Prominent Nashville musicians come in for singer-songwriter night the second Saturday of these months. Every Thursday night is Pickin’ on the Porch, open to all who want to pick up an instrument and join in or just sit back and listen. “Wildwood is an irresistible destination for discovering the Tennessee wilderness,” John says. And glamping is a fun way to do it. Reservations: www.wildwoodresorttn.com.

Kayaking on Cordell Hull Lake is another of the pastimes at the resort.

Glamping around the South River Ranch, Florida — Enjoy glamping at an authentic dude ranch in a rare, untouched piece of Florida wilderness. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo lies on 1,700 acres an hour south of Orlando. It can accommodate a couple’s getaway, family bonding or a group of friends. Glamping includes a fully furnished, air-conditioned tent with access to a private bath, campfire with a s’mores kit, warm cinnamon rolls and personalized concierge service. Weekend guests can also return to the days of “Old Florida” by attending a rodeo in the 1,200-seat arena, followed by a variety of Florida cowboy-themed activities. Reservations: westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch

Gulf Shores, Alabama — Gulf State Park is the perfect destination for exploring the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores. The campground is set up with three glamping-style safari tents that sleep up to four people. While glamping here is more rustic than in some other places, you’ll still sleep in comfort off the ground on cots. A communal wash station is nearby, and there are full bathroom facilities a little farther away. It’s all about combining backcountry camping with convenience and privacy — and a gorgeous beach. Reservations: alapark.com

Far left: Lodging at Wildwood Resort and Marina in Tennessee includes restored Airstream trailers. Left: Cummins Falls State Park creates a scenic destination for a daytrip.

Walhalla, South Carolina — You’ll need to make reservations early to sleep in a treehouse on a South Carolina farm that’s a stone’s throw from the Chattahoochee National Forest. Walls of windows will make you feel like a bird high in the trees with views all around. The property boasts gardens, forests of hardwood trees and trails galore. The treehouse has luxury bedding, a fireplace and dining room, a barbecue grill and a hammock for relaxing. Bring your own food or, for an extra fee, have dinner delivered to your door. Reservations: boltfarmtreehouse.com July/August 2022 | 7

NATURAL DISCOVERY Hidden talents lead to a popular outdoor venue Story by LAZ DENES | Photography by MATT LEDGER

Top: Jason Kuykendall’s outdoor stage concept created plenty of firewood when he carved the outdoor space for The Grove. Bottom: Nights of country, rock and blues music make The Grove a special experience for musicians and fans.

8 | July/August 2022

ver since he could remember, Jason Kuykendall had visions of one day owning an outdoor amphitheater where he could regularly immerse himself in his musical passions with the Americana genre at their center. That desire remained nothing more than a vision for years as he went about his adult life. The Sturgis native married into a family of Glasgow veterinarians and began raising a family there with his wife, Claudia. A geologist by trade, Jason commuted from Glasgow to and from his job with Bowling Green-based environmental engineering firm EnSafe. Life was good. In the mid-2000s, as his children and those of Claudia’s siblings were growing up together, there were frequent dinner table discussions about creating a family fun center where their kids and those in surrounding communities could enjoy themselves. Unlike Jason’s amphitheater idea, the fun center concept actually took shape, utilizing a 65,000-square-foot former Carhartt factory the family purchased and began converting in 2010. By late 2012, Ralphie’s Fun Center opened its doors to a facility chock-full of activities that include bowling, roller skating, laser tag, mini golf and arcade games, as well as numerous party rooms and a large auditorium for corporate gatherings. Taking its name from Claudia’s brother, James Ralph Heltsley Jr., known as “Ralphie” by his family, the fun center is going strong as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Turns out, the old Carhartt factory came with a bonus acre or two that Jason happened to discover while mapping the property shortly after it was purchased. “I wanted to map the facility and surrounding property — that’s always been a big thing for me,” Jason says. “I overlaid aerial photographs on top of tax maps and CAD drawings and saw the property line extended way beyond the chain-link and barbed wire fence around the building. Problem was, that part of the property was rough — thickly wooded with briars everywhere. I needed a machete to South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Photography contributed by Ralphies Fun Center.

Candace Barbee’s roles include helping to promote the performances on The Grove stage and managing marketing and social media efforts for Ralphie’s Fun Center.

hack my way through it trying to find the property line. It was a nice chunk of land hidden back there, and I thought it might one day work for my little amphitheater idea. But that, of course, got shelved for the next eight years or so because I just didn’t have the time to clear it, working my regular job, and with three kids and a family to look after.” Then came a bonus chunk of time off in 2020 when the world essentially shut down for several months, and Jason didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity to bring his amphitheater — which would be known as The Grove — to life. “As soon as we got shut down, I went out into the woods,” Jason says. “It was a good way to alleviate stress — get out there and cut things down. We cleared space not knowing exactly what we were going to accomplish. But then, it started to take shape. I figured out where I could put things. We built a stage on one end and a service area in the middle of it all. My mechanic, Michael Dupriest — without him The Grove would not exist. He’s the one who has done all the construction. Without his knowledge, we wouldn’t have much. So we were up and running fairly inexpensively.” By October, The Grove was hosting its first outdoor concert, headlined by Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Michael Cleveland and his band. “We stayed open from October through Christmas that first year,” Jason says. “It wasn’t like it was a huge success financially, by any means, but we got the ball rolling and it was a unique space, a unique concept.” South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Families hit the lanes to see who gets the first strike. Left: Inflatables are the perfect activity for the boundless energy of youth.

Candace Barbee was at that opening night performance and immediately fell head over heels in love with The Grove with its lush, outdoor setting, the people who worked there and the atmosphere. A recent graduate from Western Kentucky University’s public relations program, she had lost her position in consumer relations and research with Southern Californiabased Danny Wimmer Presents during the shutdown. She met Jason that night and offered her services in promoting The Grove. “I wanted to do anything I could to help this place succeed because I fell in love with it immediately,” Candace says. “It felt like hallowed ground the first time I walked through the gates. Jason did a wonderful job in bringing it to life during the shutdown. It was very much a phoenix-rising type of situation where something beautiful is born out of tragedy.” Candace joined The Grove team as a contractor in January 2021 and took over its branding and marketing efforts, and she created the facility’s social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram, benefitting from SCRTC’s high-speed internet services. She also took charge of booking

musical acts, and joined the staff full time in March. “We love the SCRTC high-speed internet,” Candace says. “It’s a constant thing — the social media content and website updates, just making sure the public knows what’s going on. That is completely an invaluable resource for us to have and we are very thankful for that. It allows me to stay on top of what’s happening in the music industry from a booking standpoint. And we couldn’t build our audience without it. It’s very important for our surrounding community to know where we are, and we want them to be part of it.” Jason adds that while SCRTC’s services are a benefit in the effort to establish The Grove as a major musical presence in the area, they also have helped spur the growth of Ralphie’s Fun Center from day one back in 2012. “Yes, SCRTC’s high-speed internet and phone services are an essential part of all we do, especially with the technology we use to facilitate groups in our various meeting rooms,” Jason says. “And we have SCRTC TV on our screens scattered about the fun center. Their advertising rates are also very affordable, so we consider SCRTC an invaluable marketing partner. As a member of our community, I’m happy to say SCRTC has held its annual company picnic here at least three times, and they’re scheduled to come back again this year. It’s been a great partnership.”  July/August 2022 | 9

sure you have adequate Make internet speeds for students studying at home

Story by LISA SAVAGE

any schools now offer more options for virtual days and online learning, whether it’s for severe weather outbreaks, sick days or a family that has discovered that online learning works best for their child. As a result, a reliable home internet service is more important than ever, whether it’s for students who need to access online assignments, parents working remotely or for streaming movies and shows. The Federal Communications Commission offers some tips to optimize your home network performance:

CHECK YOUR INTERNET PLAN Check with your internet provider to find out the speed in your plan. Make sure it’s enough to handle all the devices that might be connected at the same time, as well as any additional devices that could be added, such as televisions for streaming, laptops and more. FCC consumer guides provide information about household broadband use and broadband speeds.

TEST YOUR SPEED In many cases, your internet provider has a speed test on the company website, or you can download broadband speed test apps or visit speed test websites, to check your current broadband download and upload speeds. Many providers, especially rural telecommunications cooperatives, strive 10 | July/August 2022

to keep download and upload speeds close to the same, which is important when it comes to online meeting platforms, which require higher upload speeds. Some national providers offer deals to get new customers, advertising high speeds. In reality, they may be referring only to download speed.

TROUBLESHOOTING In most homes, internet service comes to the house and then operates through a wireless signal called Wi-Fi, which distributes the broadband throughout the home on a device called a router. Using multiple wireless devices on the same Wi-Fi network can impact performance. Sometimes, rebooting the router — turning it off and then turning it back on — can resolve the problem. If your internet provider doesn’t supply the router, make sure it isn’t outdated. Check the model number on the router to see if it’s capable of providing the speed you’re paying for. If your internet speed seems slower than it should be, contact your provider for troubleshooting tips, or ask if there are any outages or disruptions that could impact speed. Whether they’re in the classroom or learning virtually, almost all students need access to the internet to reach their potential. Making sure your broadband network provides the speeds they need is a big step in the right direction. 

nna/oasis15

Connected classrooms

Kopylov/Amaz einDesign/Pi

xel-Shot/ulza

Teachers maximize communication with students and parents

From classroom reminders to athletic tickets, apps are increasingly essential.

images by bl

Apps like Remind allow teachers and coaches to send out information about class assignments or practice schedules. Messages can be sent to a group or to individuals. About 80% of schools in the United States use Remind to connect students, teachers and families. It’s designed for grades K-12 to communicate with everyone at once, and it has 20 million monthly active users across the United States. Parents like the app because they receive early closing notifications instantaneously. All parents don’t always see reminders that go out on social media. The app reminds parents of homework assignments, dress up days and more. It can lead to more participation in the classroom when parents get reminders because not all students show notes to their parents, and not all parents go through their children’s backpacks to find them. ClassDojo has typically been used for younger students and has group messaging and individual options, so the group may not necessarily see responses. The app has messaging for group story posts, as well as individual student portfolios where teachers can assign work and students can turn in assignments. It also translates into over 35 languages.

Adobe Stock

ow many times has this happened, parents? You’re running late as you get ready to leave home and drop the kids off at school as you rush to work. As you go through your mental checklist, you think you’re doing OK, and then your child says, “I forgot to study for my spelling test.” The teacher sent the list of spelling words home on a note that’s shoved deep into your child’s backpack. Now, the educational world is changing, using apps for classroom reminders, school activities and even payment in advance for athletic and other school events. While many teachers still send notes and schedules home on paper, they also communicate the same information through apps.

ankstock/Ivan

Story by LISA SAVAGE

Talking Points also features translation and options to communicate with families in their home languages to build strong partnerships during the school year. Many school systems utilize platforms like Google Classroom, which also has access to such options as Google Voice for communication with students and their parents. For extracurricular activities like athletic events or stage performances, some school systems utilize GoFan, an app that offers online ticket purchases. More and more schools are opting for the app purchase to avoid cash transactions. Some schools no longer even accept cash payments at the gate for events. Since 2001, GoFan and its parent company, Huddle Tickets, have worked with over 10,000 schools selling over 20 million tickets — more digital high school tickets than any other company. Other companies offer similar purchase availabilities through an app. Parents, as another school year is about to begin, make sure you have the tools necessary to make meaningful connections with your child’s teachers and school system.  July/August 2022 | 11

T H E

SHOW MUST GO ON!

Far Off Broadway Players find creative ways to connect Story by ANNE BRALY | Photography by MATT LEDGER

t’s 842 miles from Glasgow to Broadway, New York City’s iconic theater district. But a group of talented thespians, all members of the Far Off Broadway Players in this southern Kentucky town, bring a taste of Broadway to town five times a year. Peggy and Charley Goodman have been participants since leading a resurgence of the Far Off Broadway Players in 2006, coinciding with the reopening of the town’s historic Plaza Theatre. Peggy, a former teacher, didn’t think she was one for the spotlight. “I was always a little shy,” she admits. “I had to take a big leap to step out of my comfort zone to audition for my first role.” Charley, too, had no previous acting experience, though he became adept at public speaking in high school and, later, as a lawyer. “As with any skill, the more you use it, the better you become — hopefully,” he quips.

The Curtain Rises

The roots of the Far Off Broadway Players are buried deep in Glasgow’s

12 | July/August 2022

history. In 1951, the Glasgow Little Theatre formed and presented “Night of January 16th,” and from there presented another six plays until closing just two years later. Twenty-eight years later, the Little Theatre came alive once more and remained a popular activity for patrons of the arts until closing again in 1993. Fast-forward 13 years and the Far Off Broadway Players hit the stage. Their first presentation, “Moon Over Buffalo,” ushered in a new dimension of entertainment for Glasgow. “There are limited opportunities for audiences to see live shows of any kind in Glasgow,” Charley says. “The Plaza Theatre offers performances by professional musical artists, but Far Off Broadway Players is the only theater group.”

Onstage and Online

Many theaters shuttered their doors during the pandemic. Through use of their SCRTC broadband, this dedicated troupe of players continued performing. With

Left: Charley Goodman Below: Peggy Goodman

a show-mustgo-on conviction, their performances became virtual, allowing theater patrons to watch “At Home With the Far Off Broadway Players” on Facebook as well as on local and cable TV channels. But that’s not all the internet has done for the team of actors. Through social media, word has spread about auditions. “Initially, as I recall, there were usually enough people to fill all the roles with maybe one or two others who weren’t cast,” Peggy says. “That has improved over the years with social media helping to get the word out.” South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

aul Glodfelter says audience size has doubled since he started as artistic director for the players five years ago. At that time, there were three shows each year. Now there are five shows annually with plans to increase that number to six in 2023, including one educational play for students. Here’s the schedule for the remainder of 2022. For more information, visit faroffbroadwayplayers.com.

Want To Be a Player?

It wasn’t until several years after her stage debut that Peggy truly found her footing, playing Daisy Werthen in “Driving Miss Daisy.” “I loved everything about the character,” she says. “Unlike the movie version, there are only three characters in the show, and I had the pleasure to work with two other very talented actors to deliver a performance that elicited laughter and tears as the show progressed.” Glasgow, it seems, has a good deal of untapped talent. “I’m sure there are folks in our community who are very talented and would be great actors, but they are often reluctant to make that step to try something new,” Peggy says. “We often hear people say they’d love to try, but constraints of jobs and families keep them from getting involved, and they might want to try at some time in the future.” Paul Glodfelter says he knew there were talented people in the community when he took the job of artistic director in 2017. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

“Dearly Departed, a Dinner Show.”

At Cave City Convention Center. • Friday, July 15 (Doors open for dinner show at 5:30 p.m.). • Saturday, July 16 (Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch show and at 5:30 p.m. for the dinner show). • Sunday, July 17 (No meal, show begins at 11:30 a.m.).

“Ghost Stories by Mickey Fisher.” Thursday, Oct. 27th (7 p.m.), Friday,

Oct. 28 (7 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 29 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 30 (2 p.m.). Location: The Plaza Theatre. Doors open one hour prior to performance.

“A Christmas Carol.” Friday, Dec. 9 (7 p.m.), Saturday, Dec. 10 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 11 (2 p.m.). Location: The Plaza Theatre. Doors open one hour prior to performance.

“But seeing what our local actors did — bringing an impactful story to life — confirmed what I already knew,” he says. “We can do professionally produced theater utilizing the local talent here in South Central Kentucky.” Far Off Broadway Players rehearse about three times a week, starting two to three months before the show opens. There are as many as five plays each year at the Plaza Theatre in downtown Glasgow, as well as a popular dinner theater held at the Cave City Convention Center. Some rehearsals take longer than others, but, Peggy adds, they do their best to work around peoples’ schedules.

it would be wonderful to have more help,” she adds. “We are always looking for more volunteers.” If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about the Far Off Broadway Players, log onto faroffbroadwayplayers.com, or email faroffbp@gmail.com. 

Volunteers Needed

Far Off Broadway Players is a nonprofit organization that depends on a strong force of volunteers. Unfortunately, though, the number of volunteers has slacked off in recent years, Peggy says. “We do have some key volunteers who continue to help with set building, ushering, props, etc., but

Paul Glodfelter

July/August 2022 | 13

SOUTHERN KITCHENS

Relishing

veggies? something new for

Extending shelf life may leave you in a pickle For thousands of years, we’ve relied on pickling as a means of food preservation and storage. Since then, it’s evolved into a culinary trend that extends well beyond the standard spears and slices that make up dill or bread-and-butter pickles. You can pickle almost any fruit or veggie to create briny snacks, colorful relishes and tasty garnishes. We all know cucumbers can become delicious pickles. But watermelon rind is wonderfully sweet pickled. Turnips, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, parsnips, peaches and peppers can taste great after the process, too. Pickling extends the harvest season well into winter when we long for the flavors of the summer garden. So, don’t throw away the watermelon rinds from your summer picnic, and when you pick that peck of peppers, don’t forget to pickle a few. 

14 | July/August 2022

PICKLED PEACHES 3 2 12 36 18

cups sugar cups distilled white vinegar cinnamon sticks, divided whole cloves, divided soft peaches

In a large stainless steel stockpot over medium heat, bring 1 cup water, sugar, vinegar, 6 cinnamon sticks and 18 cloves to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and add peaches. Gently simmer, without boiling, until peaches are heated through and a fork pierces the fruit with no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, divide peaches among six sterilized, 1-pint canning jars, placing peaches pitside down. Add 1 of the remaining cinnamon sticks and 3 of the remaining cloves to each jar. Ladle cooking liquid into jars, filling each to within 1/2 inch of rim. Wipe the lip of each jar rim with a clean, wet cloth to remove any syrup or bits of fruit. Then, top each jar with a flat lid and screw on a threaded ring band without tightening completely. Roll jars on their sides to release any air bubbles that might be trapped in the peach cavities. Turn upright. Remove ring bands and lids, and add more cooking liquid, if needed because of settling, to fill jars to within 1/2 inch of rim. Replace lids and threaded ring bands, tightening completely to seal. Store pickled peaches in refrigerator for up to eight weeks.

2 1/4 4 2 1 1 1 1/2 1/2 5

pounds watermelon rind cup pickling salt cups water, divided, plus more for boiling cups granulated sugar cup white vinegar tablespoon broken-up cinnamon stick teaspoons whole cloves lemon, thinly sliced maraschino cherries, halved — optional

Trim the dark green and pink parts from the watermelon rind and discard. Cut rind into 1-inch cubes and measure out 7 cups. Put the watermelon rind in a large container with the pickling salt and 3 cups of the water. Add more water to cover the rinds, if necessary. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse watermelon rind. Cover the rind with cold water in a large saucepan. Simmer just until tender, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a nonreactive 6- to 8-quart kettle, combine the sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, whole cloves and remaining 1 cup water. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Strain and discard the solids. Pour the strained liquid back into the pan. Add the drained watermelon rind, lemon slices and maraschino cherries. Simmer the mixture until the watermelon rind is translucent, about 30 minutes. Fill half-pint jars with the hot watermelon rind and syrup mixture, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Add the lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes, and remove jars. Let the jars cool on a rack. Serve and enjoy. Properly canned, watermelon pickles will keep in a cool, dark, dry place for at least a year. Note: If your jars didn't seal properly or you don't want to process them in boiling water, they will keep for about a month in the refrigerator.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

5 1/2 cups, about 1 1/2 pounds, thinly sliced (about 1/2-1/4-inch) pickling cucumbers 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric Combine cucumbers and salt in a large, shallow bowl. Cover and chill 1½ hours. Move cucumbers into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well and return cucumbers to bowl. Add onion to bowl and toss with the cucumbers. Combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds and ground turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over cucumber mixture. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to one month.

PICKLED BRUSSELS SPROUTS 1 1 1/2 1 1 20 1/4 2 2

pound Brussels sprouts cups apple cider vinegar cup water tablespoon pickling salt peppercorns, divided teaspoon yellow mustard seeds, divided garlic cloves bay leaves

Trim the sprouts and cut them in half. Set aside. Combine vinegar, water and salt in a stainless steel pot and bring to a boil. Divide the peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic cloves and bay leaves between two prepared pint jars. Pack sprouts into jars and pour brine over the sprouts. Use a wooden chopstick to remove air bubbles from jars. Wipe rims, apply lids and rings and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. When time is up, remove jars from canner and let cool on a folded towel. When jars are cool, test seals. If seals are good, jars can be stored in the pantry (any unsealed jars should be refrigerated). Give pickles at least 48 hours before you eat them, so that the brine fully penetrates the sprouts. Sealed jars will keep up to one year on the pantry shelf. FOOD EDITOR ANNE P. BRALY IS A NATIVE OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE.

Photography by MARK GILLILAND | Food Styling by RHONDA GILLILAND July/August 2022 | 15

WATERMELON RIND PICKLES

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